Crews were putting the finishing touches on setup this week as the Central Washington State Fair gets ready to welcome thousands of fairgoers.
“It’s buzzing down here,” fair CEO Kathy Kramer said in an interview. “We’re all smiling and just excited to open the fair and have the community see all the really cool new things we’re doing.”
The fair runs Friday through Sept. 29 at State Fair Park with the theme “Harvest the Fun.”
With a little advance planning, it’s possible to bring the family without breaking the bank, Kramer said.
“Do the research in advance, certainly visit the website, fairfun.com, there is so much to do,” Kramer. “I encourage folks to take the time and go into the Agriculture Building and the Modern Living Building, the barns. See what time the shows are, what time demonstrations are, so that they can maximize their time here.”
Checking the website also provides ways to save, like on ticket promotions that offer discounts for gate admission, carnival rides and more.
On Friday, opening day, gate admission is $3, and parking is free from noon-4 p.m.
On Sept. 23, “Pay One Price” day, attendees pay $36 all day for gate admission and unlimited carnival rides with Franz proof of purchase or by following Franz on social media.
Senior appreciation and military appreciation day is Sept. 24. All day gate admission is $9 for seniors 65 and over, military and veterans.
Gate admission is free from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 25. Free admission is accessible by donating three new and unopened school supplies. Approved supplies include pencils, crayons, colored pencils, markers, spiral notebooks, packages of notebook paper, glue or a backpack.
On Sept. 26, “Four Before Four” day, parking, gate admission and select food bites are $4 from 2-4 p.m.
While the fair will have plenty of new, quirky snacks to try — Hot Cheetos Pizza or crazy Jarritos anyone? — it’s also OK to bring in some food to stretch your budget.
“Outside snacks and food are allowed,” Kramer said. “You cannot bring hard sided coolers, but bring enough for personal function. And you can also bring in bottled water. The seal cannot be broken on it.”
Free shuttle service
Avoid parking fees by taking free shuttle rides from Yakima Transit and Union Gap Transit to the fair.
“What is better than to park and ride then be dropped at the pink gate?” Kramer said. “You don’t have to hassle to find parking, no traffic, and they don’t make any other stops. So, they’re express busses that pick you up at one of two locations.”
Shuttles will continuously run between State Fair Park and the parking lot at former Astria Regional Medical Center, 110 S. Ninth Ave. When fair gates open at noon, the first shuttle departure is at 11:15 a.m. and when gates open at 2 p.m., the first shuttle departure is at 1:15 p.m. The last departure from the fairgrounds is when gates close that night.
The Union Gap Transit shuttle will run to and from the Union Gap Fire Station’s parking lot, 107 W. Ahtanum Road. Shuttle services start 30 minutes prior to gates opening and conclude 30 minutes after gates close.
The drop off and pick up spot at the fairgrounds is in the bus express lane next to the SunDome, near the pink gate.
Concerts and entertainment
One big change this year involves free concerts that come with admission.
“Our main stage will feature the Toyota concert series which is free with your paid admission,” Kramer said. “These are some of the best tribute bands in the country.”
The 2024 Toyota Concert series will feature Queen Nation (Queen tribute band) on Friday: Dirt Road: Jason Aldean Experience and American Soldier: A Tribute to Toby Keith on Saturday; Red Corvette: The Ultimate Prince Tribute Act at on Sunday; Noise Pollution (AC/DC tribute) on Friday, Sept. 27; Keith as Kenny — A Kenny Chesney Experience and Eric Church tribute on Saturday, Sept. 28; and Papa Doo Run Run (Beach Boys tribute) on Sunday, Sept. 29.
In addition, there are ticketed events at the Coca-Cola Grandstand. They require a separate ticket that will include fair admission.
“Those tickets are really the best deal of the day,” Kramer said.
General admission for Rough Stock Round-up and Insanity Fest are $20.
Rough Stock Round-up from Aces Wild Pro Rodeo Productions on Saturday, Sept. 21, with shows at 2 and 6 p.m. Both performances will include bareback riding, ranch and saddleback riding, SunSation Rodeo Flag Team, rodeo clowns and bull riding.
Insanity Fest takes over the grandstand on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 28-29 with two performances each day at 2 and 6 p.m.
Motorsports fans will be treated to monster truck battles, truck pulling competitions, entertainer Full Boogie Tilt and Blast from the Past jet truck.
Other fun shows
There are several stages offering free, regularly scheduled entertainment every day.
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, Cale Moon, The Junebugs, The Reptile Lady, Chris Mabrey Master of Comedy and Hypnosis, Vikki Gasco Green Show and more will perform in FunVille, Yakima Theatres Gazebo, Celebrate the Valley Stage and Pacific Power Community Stage.
Many acts like the Animal Crackers Conspiracy, Bot the Robot and One-Man Band Marc Dobson will stroll the fairgrounds.
Funville is a new outdoor family friendly area located at the south end of State Fair Park and will offer a live butterfly display, petting zoo and a variety of outdoor games and activities for free. It will also offer pony rides for $5.
Every child that visits Funville will receive a free apple.
